Carpinteria Magazine has arrived

The latest issue of Carpinteria Magazine is on the streets! 

Not only is the Winter 2015 issue chockablock with interesting stories and gorgeous photography, it arrived on the streets ahead of schedule.

The Past Portraits feature showcases the talents of photographer extraordinaire Madeline Vite and superb storyteller Lea Boyd. Also, writer Emily Parker gives a sneak peek at the Holiday Spirit Parade. Calla Gold, a favorite personal jeweler, leads off the Palettes feature on jewelers. 

Awww, there's too much for a blog post. Read it online or pick up a copy around town. 

Above, photographer Glenn Dubock captures a winter sky from the vantage point of the railroad crossing on Linden Avenue. 

Yes, and ...

The first rule of improv is to accept the offer. Some call it the "Yes, and ..." rule. Meaning you take whatever is given you. You keep the scene moving along. 

Your scene partner says, "Look at those flying dogs."

You answer, "Yes, and they look a lot like pterodactyls." 

As opposed to saying, "Those aren't flying dogs. They're pterodactyls." 

The rule applies to the freelance writing life, too. No matter what comes out, stay with the flow and continue the writing. Yes and ..., yes and ..., yes and ...! There's plenty of time for no's during the editing process. 

Actually, the rule applies to many aspects of life. My life, anyway. 

Say yes. Be open. See where the yes takes you. 

From left are Joseph Lawrence, moi!, and Robert Lehmann performing in the November 7th Improv show at the Plaza Playhouse Theater in Carpinteria. Photo by Debbie Woo.

Riddle of the Freelance Writer

You know the Riddle of the Sphinx? The Greek legend of the Sphinx eating those who couldn't answer "What is the creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three in the evening?" Oedipus answered correctly, saying "Man," and then the Sphinx died. 

Yeah, I don't think it's really all that interesting or clever, either. 

Try this Riddle of the Freelance Writer. If a freelance writer guest blogs, can that post be used as a post for her own blog? I say "yes." 

Check out what I wrote for The Goddard Company. Read it here.

Journalists questioning President Nixon on Oct. 26, 1973.